2012 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · FM12 AEE
2012 Vauxhall Astra (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 2012. Recorded mileage 50,943 miles. MOT valid until 23 Nov 2026. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- VAUXHALL ASTRA
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Nottingham
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 23 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 50,943 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
FM12 AEE Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 10/11/2025
- 50,943 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
FM12 AEE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Vauxhall Astra (FM12 AEE) between November 2022 and November 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 10 November 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))”; “Offside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))”.
FM12 AEE Mileage History
- 14/11/202246,771 mi
- 14/11/202246,771 mi
- 20/11/202348,757 mi+1,986 mi
- 20/11/202450,175 mi+1,418 mi
- 10/11/202550,943 mi+768 mi
Average of roughly 1,395 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Digital Service History
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A strong purchase candidate for those seeking a low-mileage hatchback. The vehicle has a very clean recent MOT history and significantly lower-than-average mileage for its age.
Your primary focus should be verifying the service history, particularly regarding the oil changes, as the 1.6L petrol engine requires regular maintenance to prevent sludge buildup. Given the low mileage, check if the timing belt (cambelt) and water pump have been replaced, as these are typically due around the 10-year or 100,000-mile mark, even if the car hasn't been driven extensively.
Negotiate based on the age of the tyres and the battery, as low-mileage cars can sometimes suffer from age-related degradation of rubber components. Ensure that the 'sill covers' mentioned in the 2015 MOT history are purely cosmetic and not hiding significant structural corrosion, though the subsequent years of passing MOTs suggest any previous damage was addressed.
The 1598cc petrol engine is generally economical for mixed driving, sitting in a moderate insurance group typical for a mid-sized hatchback. You can expect reasonable fuel economy, though it won't match modern turbocharged small-capacity engines.
Maintenance costs for this Astra are typically predictable, with parts being widely available and relatively inexpensive in the UK. Expect annual running costs to be modest, primarily driven by fuel and standard servicing. Estimated annual costs are approximately £1,100-£1,400 depending on your annual mileage.
Pay close attention to the rear suspension; while the 2022 MOT failure for fractured coil springs was resolved, it is worth checking for any signs of uneven ride height or knocking sounds. Inspect the underside for any signs of the 'sill damage' noted in the 2015 records to ensure no rust is creeping underneath the covers.
Check the condition of the windscreen wipers and the headlight alignment, as these have been historical points of failure. Finally, given the 2015 note about engine covers obscuring components, ask the seller if they have access to the full engine bay for a visual inspection of fluid levels and belt condition.
This 2012 Vauxhall Astra presents as a well-maintained example with just over 50,000 miles on the clock. While it has had minor MOT setbacks in the past regarding suspension and wipers, it has maintained a consistent passing record for several years. The low mileage relative to its 14-year age makes it a highly attractive option for a driver looking for longevity.
While aggregate data is unavailable, the Astra is generally regarded as a sturdy, mainstream choice with widely available parts.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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